Hudson Bay Odyssey

8 Days / 7 Nights
August - September

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Trip code: 15974

The magnificent polar bear is one of the world’s most magical creatures. Growing up to eight foot from nose to tail and weighing up to 1,300lbs, they hold a colossal presence in nature. Adapting to life in a cold climate, their black skin is hidden beneath a thick layer of water-repellent, translucent fur, keeping them insulated from the extreme temperatures, and their unique paws function as snowshoes with claws which have evolved to aid in climbing steep icy banks. Solitary by nature, Polar Bears wander the ice alone, with the exception during the breeding season.

Churchill, Manitoba is renowned as the ‘Polar Bear Capital of the World’. Nestled on the Western shore of Hudson Bay 650 miles north of Winnipeg, every autumn bears gather along the waters edge anxiously waiting for the sea ice to form. This ice field will be home to the bears for the winter, providing a relatively safe environment that is rich in food.

Observing the polar bear is a once in a lifetime experience, and must be conducted under professional supervision to protect the welfare of the bears and their natural environment.

Itinerary

Depart the UK on your chosen scheduled flight to Winnipeg. Upon arrival, make your way to The Grand Winnipeg Airport Hotel. Your first night is yours to settle in and explore Winnipeg at your own leisure. 

Accommodation

Your second day in Winnipeg is free for you to explore some of the many sights this beautiful city has to offer.  We recommend a visit to the Canadian Museum for Human Rights, a stunning seven-floor exhibit brimmed with history from around the world or the Journey to Churchill exhibit home to polar bears, muskoxen, Arctic fox and other northern species. It is the most comprehensive northern species exhibit of its kind in the world and will give you a taste of what’s to come in the coming days. Your welcome dinner is in the evening, where you will meet your group and your adventure specialist. You will need your rest for your early morning departure to Churchill.

Accommodation

You will depart Winnipeg for Churchill early in the morning. Upon arrival in Churchill, you’ll be met by an expediter and transferred to a private charter for your one-hour flight to Nanuk Polar Bear Lodge. Keep your eyes open and your cameras ready for wildlife sightings en-route to the lodge. Upon arrival, your hosts will provide a tour and show you to your room. Lunch will be served soon after, and before heading out on your first excursion, you’ll be thoroughly debriefed regarding your stay in polar bear country. Your first day includes an afternoon of exploring the coastline in search of the “Great Ice Bear.”  Back at the lodge, enjoy appetizer hour followed by one of the signature tundra-inspired meals. Evenings typically include an informative lecture or slide show presentation narrated by one of Churchill Wild’s knowledgeable guides or staff. On clear nights, you may also have a chance to view one of the spectacular aurora borealis displays common at this latitude.

Accommodation

Each morning after a hot breakfast, your guides will outline a plan for the day’s excursions. If there are bears near the Lodge, your morning tour may be delayed to take advantage of these photo and observation opportunities. The lodge is always staffed, so you also have the option to stay behind and take photos of the wildlife around the Lodge or just relax and enjoy the pristine view. Daily outings may include the following, depending on weather and ground conditions: (1) Coastal exploration to the tidal flats and Hudson Bay shoreline using a combination of people power (walking!) and specially outfitted all-terrain vehicles. Routes will vary but ample time will be provided to photograph polar bears and the other wildlife that live in this unique environment. (2) An exploration of the river deltas and vast beach ridges of this pristine area or staying close to the Lodge to take advantage of opportunities to photograph the polar bears and other wildlife. Churchill Wild staff will monitor the skies after dark and provide a gentle wake-up call if the northern lights make an appearance.

Accommodation

After another hearty Lodge breakfast, you will begin air transfers back to Churchill.  Have your cameras ready for the return flight as it affords excellent opportunities for great aerial shots. Back in Churchill, you’ll spend the day with one of the tour guides exploring Churchill and area and learning about its rich history as a seaport and ex-military town. Your tour will include stops such as the Parks Canada exhibit, the Itsanitaq Museum, and the Polar Bear Jail. Along the way, your guide will point out murals that were commissioned in 2016 as part of the SeaWalls mural festival. Before a group dinner, your guide will give you free time to shop for last-minute souvenirs at the unique gift stores in Churchill. Your flight south to Winnipeg will take place this evening. Upon arrival, collect your bags, head out of the arrivals doors and back to The Grand Hotel.

Accommodation

This morning, there may be time for some last-minute shopping or sightseeing before you make your own way back to Winnipeg International Airport check-in for your flight back to the UK.

What’s Included

  • Round trip scheduled flights from London to Winnipeg
  • Return flights from Winnipeg to Churchill and Nanuk Lodge
  • Accommodation and meals as stated

2026 Departure Dates
August 11th, 15th, 19th & 31st
September 4th, 8th, 12th & 16th

2027 Departure Dates
September 2nd, 6th, 10th & 14th

Pricing Information
With airlines and hotels regularly introducing special offers, we’ve elected to not display pricing on our website. In order to ensure that we give you the most competitive price for the itinerary you’re interested in we’ll apply the best rates, promotions and offers that are available when we receive your enquiry. Please contact us via email, telephone or our websites ‘make an enquiry’, and we’ll endeavour to provide you with a tailor-made quotation within one working day.

Itinerary Highlights

  • Daily, guided hikes across the tundra to view polar bears and other Arctic wildlife, up-close-and-personal, in their natural habitat.
  • Indulging your taste buds with tundra-inspired cuisine, complemented by select Canadian wines.
  • Sky gazing! The location beneath the auroral oval offers nearly 300 nights of aurora viewing each year. If conditions permit, you will be able to enjoy the greatest light show on earth from within the lodge or out in the secure compound. There is a moderate chance of seeing the lights on this safari.
  • Educational evening presentations by lodge managers or naturalist guides about the Arctic ecosystems, landscape and lifestyle.
  • Travelling further afield on one of the half or full-day ATV tours. Low-impact tundra vehicles give you access to areas up and down the coast.

Nanuk Polar Bear Lodge

Situated next to pristine Arctic waters on Hudson Bay with Canada’s Boreal Forest as its backyard sits Nanuk Polar Bear Lodge, the most remote wilderness ecolodge. The diverse ecosystem surrounding Nanuk is home to wildlife such as polar bears, black bears, wolves, and moose. Keep your eyes open for these and other Canadian icons during your daily treks out from the lodge! From the safety of the fence surrounding the Lodge, view the northern lights or get up-close-and-personal with the polar bears and other wildlife that meander past, as curious about you as you are about them. Relax in the cozy sitting area outside your guestroom or curl up in front of the fire in our main lounge overlooking the Bay. After a long day of walking with wildlife, you’ll enjoy the casual atmosphere as you relax and enjoy conversations with fellow adventurers.

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Trip code: 15974
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